Self-Advocacy and Empowerment Toolkit - STAR Center

is provided in the resources section of this document.
Always remember that it is better to be prepared and
knowledgeable about the available services when you
are well than to wonder what they are and how to reach
them when in crisis.
Many communities have Crisis Intervention Teams
comprising specially trained officers who have either
chosen or been selected to respond to 911 calls
involving a person with a history of behavioral health
issues. These officers are also very familiar with the
services that are available in a community and can help
you make choices about what services you may want or
need.
Again, it is important to know what is available in your
community to be prepared to call your local police
department and behavioral health agency before a
crisis event ever occurs.
Intercept 2 and 3: Arrest and Jail
Diversion
In the event you are arrested, you may want to consider
taking action to avoid additional involvement with the
criminal justice system or to make sure you receive the
services and support you need while you are at the
earlier stages of this process.
Depending on where you live and the type of court
that you are in, you may want to consider whether to
continue moving through the criminal justice system
process like others charged with a crime or whether to
learn about alternatives that you may be eligible for.
Your locality may operate a behavioral health court or
other form of jail diversion or alternative-toincarceration
program. There are different types of jail
diversion and alternative-to-incarceration programs
you may be eligible to participate in. You, a family
member or trusted friend can ask about your
participating in these programs rather than remaining
in jail or continuing along the traditional criminal justice
process. Most of these programs enable you to leave
jail with the agreement that you will adhere to follow a
predetermined treatment plan.
Always remember, the choice to participate in a
program is yours and you should carefully weigh your
options with your family, attorney and other people
there to support your needs.
Intercept 3 and 4: Incarceration and
Reentry
In the event that you are sentenced to a term of
incarceration in jail or prison, there are usually
opportunities for you to receive services and start or
continue your recovery journey while you are
incarcerated. These services can range from peer
support groups to psychotherapy. Forensic Peer
Specialists or Peer Specialists may be available to
provide support and connections to additional
supports/services.
In addition, many jails and prisons provide discharge
planning services that can help you link to services in
your community and assist you in such areas as
applying for benefits and housing. Most importantly,
they can give you hope that you can recover.
Intercept 5: Parole and Probation
Parole and probation are types of community
supervision. It is important that you know the
conditions of your parole or probation. These
conditions are detailed in an agreement you sign. You
will be interviewed by parole and probation staff so
they can prepare a report and make recommendations
regarding your release. During this process you have
an opportunity to discuss your goals for the future and
what types of services and support you will need to
achieve these goals. Speak up and discuss what has
been working for you and what you need. It is
important for you to establish a good relationship with
your parole or probation officer and to honestly discuss
challenges you are experiencing. Some
probation/parole jurisdictions even offer specialized
probation/parole programs for people with substance
abuse issues or mental health concerns.
For more information and additional resources on the
Sequential Intercept Model, pre-booking jail diversion,
post-booking jail diversion and behavioral health
courts, contact:
SAMHSA National GAINS Center
345 Delaware Ave
Delmar, N.Y. 12054
(800) 311-GAIN
gains@prainc.com
www.gainscenter.samhsa.gov
12 Self-Advocacy and Empowerment Toolkit